The number of South Sudanese refugees taking shelter in neighboring countries soared past the 1 million mark this week, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
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Only five years after the country came into being, South Sudan has produced than one million refugees because of civil war.
Most refugees are women and children, UNHCR spokesman Leo Dobbs told a press briefing in Geneva.
Details of grand corruption involving the top leadership of South Sudan and close military leaders were released for the first time following a two-year investigation on corrupt activities and deals implicating senior officials of President Kiir’s government.
About 185,000 people have fled the country since early July, when fierce fighting flared in the capital Juba, between supporters of President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, then-vice president.
In the resolution, the council threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if the government blocks the regional force or impedes the work of United Nations peacekeepers.
Smaller numbers have been fleeing to Kenya, DRC and vehicle since the return to conflict in July.
The United States government said it welcomes The Sentry’s report tracking the “extensive” corruption in South Sudan, including abuse of preferential access to foreign currency as well as theft of public assets.
South Sudan split away from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil war fuelled by ethnic divides and disputes over oil.
“They include survivors of violent attacks, sexual assault, children that have been separated from their parents or travelled alone, the disabled, the elderly and people in need of urgent medical care”, it said in a statement received in Juba.
“Kenya has over 90,000 South Sudanese refugees”, the UNHCR said.
Last August Khartoum and Juba said that First Vice President Taban Deng Gai discussed during his meetings with the Sudanese officials the presence of rebel group in South Sudan and pledged to take tangible measures within three weeks. “I’m proud to cosponsor this bill which would lead to real consequences if attacks against civilians and recruitment of children in South Sudan continue”, said Engel.
Machar fled the country during July’s chaos.
Numerous attempts to shore up a fragile truce have failed, and in a major setback to peace efforts, fresh clashes erupting in Juba on July 8 this year between Kiir’s guards and troops loyal to Machar.
The report found that members of the families of both Mr. Kiir and Mr. Machar live in “luxurious homes” outside South Sudan, including residences in an upscale neighborhood in Nairobi, Kenya.
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In terms of numbers, Uganda (373,626) accounts for the largest share of South Sudanese refugees.
